Greed is born of ignorance, and selfishness grows from a disconnection with God; both are a sickness of the soul. To crave possessions beyond one’s true needs, things that add no genuine value, reveals an emptiness that wealth cannot fill. Show me someone who believes they will live forever, and I’ll show you the depth of their delusion.
What madness drives those who amass vast fortunes at the cost of others’ well-being? The truth is, none of us reading this today will see the year 2200. We are but temporary stewards of the resources we control. Real legacy isn’t measured by what we hoard, but by how we lift others and use what we have to bring value, justice, and goodness into the world.
I am constantly shocked—but not surprised—by how our so-called elite class spends their lives consumed with primitive accumulation and ostentatious display, as if that is the ultimate purpose of life. How can these men and women claim to be civilized when their actions are far more primitive than progressive?
The irony is glaring: over 99% of today’s so-called elite came from humble, often poor backgrounds. Yet, instead of breaking free from the chains of poverty’s mindset after their success, they seem to remain trapped in it—hoarding and flaunting wealth as though that alone defines their worth. Can’t one rise above such limitations of the mind after escaping poverty?
Whenever I see those living in grand mansions, driving luxury cars, and indulging in ostentatious lifestyles, I see people entrapped in delusion. They are blinded by the need for social display, as if material abundance equates to significance. In the spirit of ancient Greek philosophers, who viewed such excesses with a mix of pity and wisdom, I too feel a deep sympathy for those who have mistaken wealth for purpose.
When friends see my car and modest lifestyle, they often show a kind of sympathy, rooted in their understanding of what they perceive as my “sacrifice.” But I see it differently. A few years ago, during a series of virtual reunions with my classmates, this difference became stark. The South Koreans proudly discussed Samsung and LG’s advancements in technology. The Chinese spoke passionately about high-speed trains. The Indians detailed next-generation drug discoveries in development, while the Americans explored advancements in artificial intelligence.
When it came to me, I had no grand technological or economic achievements to present. Instead, I spoke about my ongoing fight against elite corruption. It seemed almost laughable in such a forum, but I knew I had to say the bitter truth. Unlike my peers, no one in these conversations ever mentioned their cars, houses, or wealth accumulation—such things were irrelevant to minds focused on contributing to humanity’s progress.
True civilization isn’t about how much we own; it’s about what we build and how we improve the world. My modest lifestyle isn’t a limitation—it’s a conscious choice to focus on what truly matters: justice, fairness, and the betterment of society. Wealth is fleeting, but the impact we make endures.
ODILIM, is a financial and public affairs analyst.
